Took so long to wake up the blog this mornin’, I was thinkin’ the K Bros were part of the 500K job loss report. Thankfully, we still need guys to write about millionaire athletes.

My faith restored, on this Game day, I'm thankful that our superstar is past the need to out play the opposing team's high profile players, thus averting a 50 point slugfest with Caron and Antwan ending in an L.

GO Lakers, a good offensive team

The Lakers' success tonight would seem to hinge on how well they will handle defending Butler and Jamison - not just b/c they are two of Washington's big 3 but b/c, on paper at least, they are more mobile and athletic than Vlad and Pau. Of course, we'll hopefully see the size advantage work in the Lakers favor on the other end.

McGee is a celebrated young center who is very long but thin as a rail. This would be a perfect opportunity for Drew to utilize all the strength he worked off-season to build up.

Lastly, Washington loves shooting from the outside, so, just like Indy, if the Lakers concede those long Js and the Wiz are hot it might be a long night. They are dangerous. They are definitely capable of being explosive on offense. Lakers need to shut them down early.

Hopefully the Lakers don't stink it up. I predict the Lakers to lose.

Battle of the Golden Calves ex's.

Has any other bust procured more all-stars via trades than Kwame?

From the "one guy took it personally dept"

"We have a laker-bandwagonner who has barely even came to the blog recently and yet is trying to battle blog vets like he know's something. We have a guy who is not only GHF but he is totally off his rocker. To him, every Laker is a All-Star. This is the guy that calls in to the Loose Cannons and asks what does Jordan Farmar have to do to be an All-Star?!!!! He asks why doesnt Chris Mihm get more playing time or why doesnt Luke Walton start!" -Korey

Yeah, as you say, I am a newcomer, a blog lightweight. I am actually only only twelve years old and have only been watching Lakers games since my mother bought me a computer with access to the internet. Or something. Actually, no, that's not true. Of course, nothing in that paragraph is true, either, and I feel as though I should respond (hell, as a "gladiator" I was just ready to respond, i gues. I'm not sure what a gladiator is, really. Sorry.

First, I've been posting on the blog for three years now. Before that, I had a job where I worked the swing shift, and only read the blog on mornings and weekends, so I didn't feel really justified in saying anything. overall, I think I was one of the first people to read it, but I could be wrong. I didn't really take notes back then. Second, I never claimed to know anything. This blog, and life in general, is full of examples of people who know all kinds of crap and are still hilariously wrong, not to mention annoying. Like socrates, I know only that I know nothing, and I suspect that nobody else does either, but I don't point it out all the time, cause that would just annoy people, as socrates found out. third, I am probably arguably a "GHFer' in the sense that I feel that being able to watch a competitive Laker team is generally fun, win or lose, and the occasional loss makes the eventual winning funner. I don't try to drag down my fellow fans with constant complaints with the hope that when something goes wrong they will give me credit for being right with my diagnosis. (Instead of criticizing players, maybe I mock my fellow bloggers, of course, I do this because I enjoy reading them, and in a hopefully friendly spirit, as I believe I mentioned) Fouth, I have never called into "loose cannons," or indeed listened to them. I don't even own a radio, and I believe sports radio is unlistenable, mostly because it features blowhards and bloviators like yourself, who talk to establish themselves as "experts" who have a ready explanation every time we lose. Fifth, I don't have any particular faith or even affection for Jordan Farmar. He has a long way to go and a lot to prove before I accept him. He is a young player, and there is some hope for him. I don't think he'll ever be an all-star, but the last time I checked teams don't have to have an all-star as their backup pg to win anything. I know why chris mihm doesn't get more playing time. It's a guy named Andrew Bynum. I think he's better than Chris Mihm, although I have previoudly mentioned, I don't know anything, so I could be wrong. Frankly, I would be willing to discuss the matter with someone who made that argument, but I wouldn't make it myself. I know why Luke Walton doesn't start. It's because he's the ninth or tenth best player on the team. I do occasionally observe that he probably is unfairly targeted for scapegoating by some blog members, but I do not think I am alone in this. If you want some citations of others agreeing with me, I could provide them, if you want.

Other than the rebuttals, of that one paragraph, I would like point out that the title of the list was "trolls, troll like, and ANNOYING posters. To those in the general reading populace, Korey actually earned his special status on this list not because of his crowing after a loss, although he does do that, but because of his special habit on live game chats of continually posting comments on the "soft" status of Lakers players. On the chat, I have earned his disdain by mocking his comments with "soft" comments of my own. I made a special exemption for you, Korey, and you should be proud, like the other blog members I mentioned, for being noticed for your continued presense on this blog. You have my love, as I believe I mentioned, as a fellow Laker fan. I recognize it, you see.

I will refer to, but not expect to settle, the overall question of the "softness" of Lakers players. I take the positon, and again I do not feel as though I am the only one, and I will provide citation of anyone feels it is lacking, that this is a ridiculous criterion by which to judge a player. To begin with, this characteristic which has been described as "soft," if you will permit me, to paraphrase, the reluctance to challenge (or bludgeon) the opposing teams players within the paint, as well as other behaviors you described, doing considerable justice to you point, I might add, as might be expected due to the considerable practice you have had in making it, I believe this trait is less a characteristic of the players involved as it is a method of playing that they are encouraged to use. Whether these same players would respond the same way in a different game plan is quite arguable. I think that attacking the players is therefore irrelevent. Other disagreements with your argument can probably be found in many other posts on this same blog or indeed in the live game chats.

Of course, Korey, I think the main reason I included you on my list, besides my regard for your, shall we say, constantcy, is that your aggressive and insulting response to others who challenge your opinion has been well established. I may have been deliberately provoking your response so I could issue another more detailed rebuttal. I may not have, either, I guess. I could be just a gladiator, a blog newbe, or a know nothing trying to establish himself as some form of "expert' on this blog. Beats me. I suppose other people might have some ideas.

Anyway,

THIS BLOG IS ALL ABOUT THE LOVE

THE LOVE IS ALL ABOUT THE LAKERS

GO LAKERS!

Also, to all the favorable comments, thanks, especially to the person who nominated me for a "Fatty." I don't think I'm worthy of too many honors, but thank you, thank you. I am humbled by your recognition, as I hope to post again in a few years, and your encouragement is appreciated.

Mamba24,

Top notch! Top notch!

Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.

GO LAKERS!

never and troy- you are classy guys, and worthy foils- much love.

Jon K.'s Keys to Victory (notably borrowing from the genius of justanothermambafan):

1. Consistent effort and energy, particularly in the fourth quarter.
2. Substitutions that compliment the energy and flow of the game.
3. Defensive urgency--particularly for Bynum, Rad Vlad, Farmar, and Sasha.
4. Use our depth.
5. Kobe leading by example.

Result? Lakers by 22.

What do we play for? RINGS!!!!

Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.

GO LAKERS!

LOL!

Your daddy was speaking to you but you refuse to obey his voice.

"Communication is the priority for the Lakers as they attempt to restore the swarming team defense of the season's earlier games."

"It's not only the point guards who are responsible for defensive breakdowns."

"There are multiple reasons why the Lakers' defense hasn't been as effective as it was to start the season. No matter which you choose, the bottom line is that the Lakers aren't dominating teams because they aren't playing the same caliber of defense.

The Lakers started their three-game trip by giving up a season-high 118 points in a one-point loss to the Indiana Pacers on Tuesday. They continued by giving up 102 during a 12-point victory Wednesday over the Philadelphia 76ers."

Article after article is pointing out the Lakers lack of defense...and that's just today's headlines. Everyone knows the defense isn't good enough to win a championship.

And yet, here you are putting up an argument that implies everyone is wrong except for you.

LISTEN TO YOUR DADDY ZEN.

We are what we are: A good offensive team. And nothing more!

mike t.

phred,

Don't worry about it. Good natured trash talking keeps all of us in line.

I've suffered numerous slings and arrows over the years and a good portion of which I deserved. So, if one of the "Trolls" is complaining, let him complain.

Your virtuous Sword of Truth and Outrageous Sarcasm lights the way for the blog! (+3 damage, +7 against Trolls, luminous--provides 20' radius of light in complete darkness, +4 save against chaotic evil and chaotic neutral spells, +2 save against psionic attacks).

Nice magic item, Phred. Nice magic item.

Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever.

GO LAKERS!

Thanks for all the support guys. The knees doing good right now, still can't really walk but I'm gimping around. Just can't wait to get back on the basketball court since its been a few months (really lagged hoping I wouldn't have to get the surgery).

Anyways, a Laker victory should make all well in my neck of the woods. I still can't get over the disappointment of the Indiana game. I'm hoping the Lakers can at least contend for that 72 win mark but loses like that sure don't help. I wasn't around when you guys probably all discussed Phil's remarks regarding 72 wins but I honestly think this team can do it if they can keep it together. We just have so much depth, quickness, and length, as long as we learn from our mistakes and win the games we should (we should only realistically lose a few) be there in the end. Maybe a 10-0 run to finish the season and end with 73 wins!

Lamar = 6th man of the year

GO LAKERS

The City That Time Forgot

There once was a team called the Fakers
Who lost to the Celtics with a whimper
And when all was said and done
They cried "next year will be the one"
Cuz Bynumb will be back with the Lakers

So the next year they came out with a vengeance
Saying defense was the way to Salvation
But lo and behold as the story unfolded
They forgot that their coaches were outmoded

So they raced like they thought they were showtime
Saying defense is merely a Boston obsession
When you have Kobe and Pau and Bynumb et al
Those worries will never come to session

Then Christmas day came upon them
And the Fakers and blog fans were just humbled
They were beat complete for the whole world to see
As Kobe, Bynumb, and Phil bumbled

On Fisher, on Farmar, on LO, and Vlade
The Blog was in a total panic and dismay
Send these bums away is the only way
To reach our championship goal today

Then Phil had this plan in his mind
That worked with MJ every time
But those days are gone, archaic and sad
Oh well 12 mil a year isn't bad

Mike T: You know everything about every subject on the planet. So why don't you know that Phil's whole Zen philosophy uses reverse psychology? Anybody with some Gosh Darn Sense knows that Phil said that just to light a fire under their butts.

That you would take that literally reveals a lot about you...and your spirited defense of the King of Golden Calves.

>>>Can you imagine throwing Nash at Rondo and the Celtics? Holy smokes.

Wes,

The problem with that is that Nash is no better defender than either
Fish or Farmar. Yes, he is a better offensive player than either of
them, but his defense is matador all the way.

The only way you could upgrade the PG position to really improved
the Lakers would be to add someone closer to what Rondo is...
a lock-down defending PG with decent offense.

As it is, Farmar is about an average defender and Fish is just
a hair above average defender. They both get burned by ultra-fast
guard, but then so does almost every other team in the league.
Even Boston's highly touted defense has given up lots of points in
the paint to guys like TJ Ford, Chauncey Billups, Nate Robinson,
and Aaron Brooks.

If you look at the Lakers defense against PGs, yes they did give up
a bunch to JJ Barea, Aaron Brooks, and Allen Iverson (to name a few),
it could be better, but it's certainly not a fatal flaw. Some players,
like Devin Harris, the Lakers have done a much better job of containing
him than other teams.

Like I said before, I prefer to wait to the all-star break for I make my judgement on the defense. Hopefully Phil's motivation tatics will work..It's all a game of chess..

One thing I do know is that the only trade the Lakers make would be with Lamar.

But there is no pressure on the Lakers right now to do anything. We will know more by the all-star break and it's just stupid to determine anything about this team until they have played together for a little while.

Kobe is not going anywhere! It's all about money.

Lamar will probably be gone next year if the Lakers don't win it all.

The Lakers will never trade Bynum now unless a disaster happens.

wesjoenixon - Nash?? You want to lose both Jordy & LO for Nash??? C'mon - admit it - you're really BUTT-ler posting as wes.....right?? I - just like utz - threw up in my mouth a little.

Jon K - props to my genius? Have you been hitting the bottle a little early today in pre-celebration of our W tonight? LOL!! Just kidding, man!!!

Mamba24 - no matter how many times today's roll call gets posted, it's still a good read!! Keep it up!! Those who don't like it know where the scroll wheel is and can use it (although it will be the size of a cheerio if you keep posting it - I mean it IS really long....lol!)

Oh, Mike T. is keeping his act up!!! Look at him make an argument against the Laker defense!

"DADDY ZEN", "ZEN FATHER", and the best...."DISMANTLE"!!,....oh ho ha ho ha, don't stop!! Little pricks like that always tickle.

Wait, he's not joking? Surely you jest....

phred,
That last post was on the soft side.

"I think that to really be the favorites to win it all, we need an upgrade at the guards position. I've said this before. To get over the Celtic hump I think we need something to throw at Rondo , and I really think it needs to be a top 10 guard. Someone who knows how to play, is a vet, is tough and can shoot and who doesn't wilt under pressure."

I believe we have the required player = KOBE

Didn't Kobe guard Rondo in the Finals?

I see upon a re-reading that the person who nominated me for a Fatty was actually Fatty- I’m not worthy, I’m not worthy- I’m humbled by the praise

Jon K.- I appreciate the support. I assure you and everyone else that I don’t take any comment on this blog personally- How could I? Nobody knows anything about me personally, like I don’t know anything about them. I’m not hiding anything, short of not posting my name, address and measurements on every post, but I want to be judged just on the merit of my own posts, and I promise I want people to call me on any silly or stupid thing I might post. I’ll laugh along, really.

Mamba24- thanks for my front and center addition to the roll call- the poem or lyric was brilliant today, by the way, and I’m not just saying that. It was worthy of accompanying Coolio's magnus opus, honestly.

Thanks again errbody for the feedback. And yeah, I do have one weird personal hang-up, it hurts me a little inside when people capitalize the P in my name. I don’t pretend this is a rational thing, but it is a thing.

THE LOVE SMILES UPON THOSE WHO LOVE THEMSELVES AND THE LAKERS AND DO UNTO OTHERS AS THEY WOULD HAVE OTHERS DO UNTO THEM.

THE LOVE ALSO THINKS ""**^&%^ 'EM IF THEY CAN'T TAKE A JOKE

IT IS ALL ABOUT THE LOVE

GO LAKERS

Shari,
"someone gave me a Tiffany wine holder engraved w/Kareem's last regular game played. They received it from a friend at the Forum. I wondered if Kareem has one (someone else said he had had a fire at his house a while ago) and if not, I'd like to give him mine."

You can send it to me; I'll give to Kareem next time I see him.